The writing’s on the wall?
It looks like Sony really wants Daniel Craig to keep playing 007.
A source close to RadarOnline revealed that Sony has apparently offered Craig $150 million to star in two more Bond films.
“The studio is desperate to secure the actor’s services while they phase in a younger long-term successor,” explained the source. “Daniel’s the key for a seamless, safe transition as far as Sony and Bond bosses are concerned, and they’re prepared to pay a king’s ransom to make it happen.”
Since the release of Spectre last fall, the Bond franchise has been in a state of limbo. Craig has publicly expressed both interest and disinterest in returning to the role for a fifth, or now sixth, time.
Besides Craig, the series has dug itself into a rather interesting hole. Spectre spent most of its time (desperately) trying to establish a firm continuity between the Craig Bond films. Sony, the current distributor of the series, is clearly trying to rebrand 007 as a franchise similar to the MCU, where the films connect, and audiences come back for sequels rather than separate movies.
With Sony trying to establish a “Bond-verse,” and the company apparently needing to renegotiate distribution rights to the series soon, Craig is a valuable asset, and he has the upper hand.
“Craig has played a genius hand,” says the source. “Everyone knows how much executives adore him, and the idea of losing him at such a crucial time in the franchise isn’t an option as far as all the studio honchos are concerned.”
Sony does seem to have a backup plan of sorts, though. As mentioned early, the studio is hoping to use these last two films with Craig (which would apparently be filmed back to back), as a way to introduce a new young lead into the series. Does this mean the 007 title would be passed onto a Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, or Michael Fassbender? Or Theo James? (shutters)
We don’t know, but we do know Daniel Craig has a pretty big decision to make. He could shake up Sony’s plans, or help stir a new actor into the mix.
I am so sorry.
